[enkeli-kitten]

Guess what. I'm gonna audition for CATS!!!!!! But I've never been to such a big audition before. Please could those of you who've auditioned for Cats or seen an audition etc, please tell me how they are run? I need all the help I can get I'm soooo excited!!

[Gwen]

While I've never seen or done a Cats audition, (I missed my audition of a lifetime because my state's regional was two hours away from my house and was not even told to me untill they were performing it, and now I feel really depressed.....)
I'm assuming it will be like any audition. See what your range is, dance ability,---oh! one important thing. In trying out for any musical, you will be tested on how well you can learn a dance routine. I've been there. (Not professionally, but most likely I'm assuming it's the same basic process.) Pay close attention to the instructor, and don't forget to have fun and be yourself! Don't get to tense either, as hard as it is.
And one more thing- no mercy!! Everyone else is a competitor, and will be looking to boot you out for a spot!!----Haha, Kidding. Not everyone is like that, but keep in mind that some might hold that attitude-(meaning people with egos who take that tone of "I'm obviously better than you so you don't stand a chance." If anyone gives you that crap, you tell them to....ah, well, wait it untill the final list gets put up! (Tell them to stuff it!) Mua hahaha!
One thing of odd helpful advice- don't drink anything sugary a few hours prior to trying out. You won't be able to sing a note, much less hold one, trust me. Have fun, and good luck! (You lucky duck you!)
----Gwen (sing your heart out in my place, as I'll never get to audition! I'm cheering you on! Let me know how it goes!)

[Pawzxx]

ohh wow!!

I would totally love to help you, but I've never been to an audition before too...

Guess that wasn't what you wanted to hear lol...

Anyway... break a paw and tell us how you get on! I'm really interested.
Gd Luck...I'm sure you'll do great!

[Rumpleteaze]

I've only been to one audition but it kinda went like this

1. went in sang a song that I brought
2. went into lobby and waited
3. Got taught a segment of the Jellicle Ball (it started at about the point where the cast does the "archer pose" {like they are shooting and arrow into the ground} after Griz comes out and everyone scares her away and it ended about 2-3 mins after that part)
4. we were split in to groups and told to do it in that smaller group
5. the director/cheoragrapher asked some people to do the dance with other groups and gave them and emotion or things she was looking for in people.
6. then we were sent home

That's about it. seemed like we were waiting for a long while there were a lot of people there.

My advice to you now is just be yourself and be and Actor/actress who can dance and sing that is what they are looking for mainly becuase you have to convey to the audience emotion through you singing and dancing. GOOD LUCK!! and I hope you make it!

Love ya Rumpleteaze

[audreydarling]

I too have never been to a CATS audition..but have been to many others..and it usually involves doing some paperwork at the begining (signing up ..getting a #, etc.) then singing/being taught a dance combination...the advice that I can give you is be yourself, and havebe enthusiastic ..especially for a show like CATS where there are so many charcters with different personalities and it is a very energetic show..also smile and just have fun even though you'll be nervous....break a leg! and let us know the outcome!..is this a professional audition or regional??

[demeter_cat2010]

My audition process went like so:

Upon arriving at the theatre, I went into the lobby, filled out a paper, and took a number. Everyone numbers 50-65 was called to the stage. (I was 63) We learned a small segment from "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" and performed it for three judges five at a time. Then, they asked us to all sit down in the seats and called us up one at a time to sing our audition song. They stopped most people about a minute into their song. Then we left.

They called me the next day for callbacks. They asked me to be familiar with Macavity. (HAHAHA..i SOO already knew it.. lol )

The next day I was back at the theatre and they asked all the Macavity callbacks to the stage and we all sang the first part together, then one at a time.. Then we could leave.

They called me back two days later with the part of Demeter!

BEST of luck enkeli_kitten!!!

Also, If you have to learn a dance segment...don't forget to be like a cat!


Love,
Elizabeth

[wonderjoe]

let's see...mine was a high school production in which I played Mistoffelees, so if it sounds a little simple, sorry about that. >_>

1) showed up and sang my song (Close Every Door from Joseph)

2) was taught a simple dance routine (basically separated the real people from the wannabes, the male tryout was significantly harder than the female's)

3) later on, got called back to perform both a jazz and ballet routine that was taught to me. also given parts of Tugger's song and Mungo's song to audition.

4) finally did a bit of choreography to Tugger's and Jellicle Songs.

5) waited about 3 weeks to find out i was Misto. ^_^

[enkeli-kitten]

Thanks, everyone!! I'll remember to smile ^_^

It's not professional, but the company is called Showbiz and they say they have professional-standard shows. Rehersals begin October and the show isn't till April! Minimum age is 16 so I just made it into the age range!

If I get in, I have to leave home and board with someone in town (we live an hour's drive from town) That's kinda scary!!!

I will, Gwen!!

[demeter_cat2010]

[enkeli-kitten]

Wow, Demeter_cat!!! I wish my parents would do that for me!!!

What did you guys do as audition song? I'm wondering about doing 'Whistle Down the Wind', or perhaps 'Getting to Know you' from the King and I. I'm going for Jemima/Rumpelteazer/any, do you think they're okay songs for those? Whistle is more Jemima-ish but it has so many long notes that are easy to go out-of-tune in, and I'm not PERFECT with tuning.

Today I got my audition pack. First there is an individual singing/interview audition, then a "movement" audition for singers or dance auditions for male/female dancers separately. I'm doing movement. Since there's such a long time to rehearse, 6 months, I'm hoping they're open to teaching a Jemima/Rumpelteazer to dance well. I'd love to be anyone, of course, but I think the less singing you do, the better at dance you have to be!!

[demeter_cat2010]

I am a mezzo...alto..kinda thing..haha so i did "My Strongest Suit" from Aida... perfect for my range...

Yes...long drives..haha

When our Rumple audtioned she sang "Hopelessly Devoted To You" from Grease..just sayin..

haha

GOOD LUCK!!! make sure to let me know how it goes..im sure you'll be awesome!!

[enkeli-kitten]

Thanks so much for all your luck, everyone!! And thanks Demeter_cat for your help

I might do 'Oh what a Circus' from Evita, with the "salve regina" bit too, because that is a pretty energetic song and that salve regina bit is choir-like and nice and high, for Jemima. I've decided to put down on my audition sheet for Demeter too ^_^

I emailed the admin person, and asked a couple of questions, this is what she said:

"For the show the choreography will be completely new - it is against the
conditions of the Rights Contract with RUG to copy anything from the original show."

Really?!? I didn't know that. That means every production of Cats has to make up total new dances? I really thought you could have the same dances.

[demeter_cat2010]